Transform Your Space: A Guide to Installing Wallpaper

When you want to make a big design impact without a full remodel, wallpaper is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. From soft textures to bold patterns, it can instantly elevate a room, define a space, and inject personality into your home. But if you’re thinking about tackling wallpaper, you may be wondering: Should I choose peel-and-stick or traditional glued-on wallpaper? And how challenging is installation, really?

Here’s your all-in-one guide to choosing the right type for your home and installing it like a pro.

Installing Wallpaper: What to Expect

Whether you’re updating a powder room, adding a statement wall in a home office, or giving a bedroom a cozy refresh, wallpaper installation is totally doable—especially with good prep. Here’s the basic process:

1. Prep the Walls

Clean walls thoroughly and allow them to dry.
Repair nail holes, dents, or raised seams.
Prime with a wallpaper-specific primer for the best adhesion (even for peel-and-stick!).

2. Measure & Cut

Measure the height and width of the wall.
Roll out the wallpaper and cut each panel, leaving a bit of overlap for trimming.
Match patterns carefully—this step makes all the difference visually.

3. Install

Peel-and-Stick: Peel back a few inches of backing at a time and smooth as you go.
Glued (Traditional): Apply adhesive to the wall or paper (depending on manufacturer instructions), position the sheet, and smooth with a wallpaper tool.

4. Smooth & Trim

Use a smoothing tool to eliminate bubbles and wrinkles.
Trim excess at the ceiling, baseboards, and corners with a sharp utility knife.

5. Finishing Touches

Wipe away any extra adhesive.
Let the wallpaper cure for 24 hours before putting furniture back.

Most DIYers find accent walls and small rooms manageable. Larger rooms or wallpaper with complicated pattern repeats may be best left to a professional installer.

Peel-and-Stick vs. Traditional Glued Wallpaper

Choosing between peel-and-stick and traditional wallpaper comes down to lifestyle, budget, and commitment level. Both have their place—here’s how they compare.

Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Pros

Easy to Install & Remove: No paste, no mess. Perfect for renters or those who like to update décor frequently.
Forgiving for Beginners: You can reposition most sheets during installation.
Ideal for Small Areas: Great for backs of bookshelves, accent walls, laundry rooms, pantries, or kids’ spaces.
Budget-Friendly Options: Many quality lines available at various price points.

Cons

May Not Adhere Well on Some Textured Walls: Works best on smooth, primed surfaces.
Can Shrink Over Time: Seams may gap slightly in humid environments.
Less Durable: Not ideal for high-moisture areas like bathrooms unless rated specially.
Limited Lifespan: Typically not as long-lasting as traditional wallpaper.

Traditional Glued-On Wallpaper

Pros

Professional Finish: Seamless, crisp, and higher-end appearance.
Extremely Durable: Holds up beautifully over time and resists humidity when properly installed.
Higher-Quality Materials: Printed on thicker, more textured, or premium substrates.
Better for Large or Complex Rooms: Expert installers prefer this format for longevity and precision.

Cons

More Skill Required: Installation involves paste and precision.
Harder to Remove: Typically requires steaming or chemical removal.
Higher Up-Front Cost: Especially with professional installation.
Permanent Commitment: This is best when you truly love the design.

Where to Buy High-Quality Wallpaper

When clients ask me where to shop for wallpaper, these are the brands and manufacturers I recommend for consistently excellent design, materials, and customer service: